Jonjo Shelvey is the man to give England a much-needed spark, says former Newcastle United and Tottenham winger Chris Waddle.

But fans shouldn’t hold their breath waiting for a recall for the controversial midfielder.

England may have qualified for the World Cup last night, but their laboured 1-0 win over Slovenia thanks to Harry Kane’s late goal left many pundits and supporters concerned about the side’s direction under Gareth Southgate.

But Waddle feels they have a player in Shelvey who can unlock defences with his range of passing – something the national side are badly lacking at the moment.

“People knock me down when I say it, but Jonjo Shelvey is the best I’ve seen at passing the ball at distance,” he told BBC Radio 5Live.

Jonjo Shelvey (Image: Newcastle United)

“But he won’t get in the squad for reasons we don’t know.”

Shelvey has just returned to United’s starting line-up after picking up a three-match suspension for a red card in the opening game of the season against Spurs.